www.bbe-moldaenke.de

BenthoTorch The unique instrument for quick and easy phytobenthos measurements

Direct measurement without preparation

Fast & simple measurement of microalgae on substrates

Green algae Cyanobacteria Diatoms

Rapid determination of benthic algae No sample preparation Automatic substrate correction Integrated instrument display GPS sensor Cable-free operation Datalogger function Internal rechargeable batteries USB connection to PC/laptop Wireless measurement

Rapid and simple determination of green algae, cyano-bacteria and diatoms on different substrates.

Specifications FEATURES

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The bbe BenthoTorch is a robust, water proof field instrument for rapid quanti-

fication of green algae, cyanobacteria and diatoms on different substrates such as

sediments and stone surfaces. A measurement is performed in less than 15 seconds.

Just turn it on, place on the substrate and read off the results.

BenthoTorch

QUANTIFICATION OF AUFWUCHS

DESCRIPTION VALUE

Measurands

concentration of green algae [μg chl-a/cm²],

concentration of cyanobacteria [μg chl-a/cm²],

concentration of diatoms [μg chl-a/cm²],

GPS co-ordinates

Measuring range 0 – 15 μg chl-a/cm²

Resolution 0.1 μg chl-a/cm²

Weight 1.3 kg

Size (H x Ø) 500 x 60 mm

Power supply 110/230 V – 50/60 Hz – 12V DC

Power input 10 W

Protection class IP 68

Depth range 10 m

Temperature Sample: 0 to 35 °C

Environment: 0 to 40 °C

Storage: 0 to 50 °C

Data capicity 2,000 data sets

Interface USB data port

Accessories hard plastic carrying case, mains unit, manual,

software, hand loop

Options telescopic rod, nylon shoulder bag, SDI-12 converter

BenthoTorch | bbe moldaenke©

LCD display of the BenthoTorch

EU Water Framework Directive water quality parameters Restoration and rehabilitation projects Environmental monitoring Limnological work Research and education

BenthoTorch

APPLICATIONS

BenthoTorch: For measurement of benthic

algae on different substrates

Why should we measure benthic algae?

Innovative operative concept – fast measurement

Various algal species and cyanobacteria have adapted their nutrient uptake

systems enabling them to survive in shallow water close to the shoreline. Here the

sunlight still penetrates down to the sea or river bed. This habitat is home to

benthic algae, ranging from the microscopic to the gigantic kelp. Especially

microphytobenthos attached to the subsurface, play an essential role in primary

production.

For the assessment and improvement of surface water the European Water

Framework Directive stipulates to determine phytoplankton including benthic

algae. As a result, it has become obligatory to study the development and

abundance of benthic communities. The collected data are essential for the

evaluation of water quality in aquatic ecosystems.

Traditional methods include sampling of benthic algae by scraping surface

materials or rapid deep-freezing and subsequent chlorophyll extraction. While

incomplete in removal and extraction these methods moreover cannot determine

different algal classes. Alternatively, the use of laborious and time-consuming

microscopy is limited to accessible objects rarely found in the field.

Benthic algae measurements have become much easier with the development of

the BenthoTorch: different light sources excite the internal pigments of intact algal

cells. The amount of re-emitted red light fluorescence gives a quantitative estimate

of the algal density. Now in situ measurement of different algae classes becomes

feasible. No sample preparation is needed. This fluorescence technique enables

quick and easy analysis of benthic algae in real time. The BenthoTorch is

precalibrated for the most prominent algal classes to be found in the field.

This fluorometric technique has been well-proven for pelagic phytoplankton, by

extensive application of the bbe FluoroProbe, and has now been successfully

adapted to measure benthic algae concentrations. Background measurement of

the substrate matrix enables to compensate and minimize the effect of backward

scattering on chlorophyll measurement.

2 BenthoTorch | bbe moldaenke©

BenthoTorch

Do you have any questions? Please contact us!

Tel.: +49 (0) 431 - 380 40-0 Fax: +49 (0) 431 - 380 40-10 E-Mail: bbe@bbe-moldaenke.de

bbe Moldaenke GmbH Preetzer Chaussee 177 24222 Schwentinental Germany

Your local representative

Start and stop of measurement Access to all stored data (Re-)calibration of instrument Settings: measurement duration, measurement interval, GPS on/off

INSTRUMENT SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS

Display of time data as graphic Data retrieval and management Data export to ASCII files GPS data export to e.g. Google Earth

PC SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS

Operation

The BenthoTorch is simply switched on either by shaking or by use of a magnetic

rod. Four contact keys are well arranged for operating the BenthoTorch. An

intelligibly presented menu enables one-step measurement. The illuminated

display gives clear readings of results even in bright sunlight. After starting a

measurement, all steps are processed automatically: the countdown, the LED

tuning and display of the results. A vibration signal informs the user about

completion of the measurement.

BenthoTorch used in the AQUAREHAB project in Denmark and Belgium